A couple of months ago, J.K. Rowling released a statement saying that Draco Malfoy was not 'concealing a heart of gold under all that sneering and prejudice' despite what fans of the character may believe. She also described Draco to have 'all the dark glamour of the anti-hero,' which may be the reason why fans gravitate towards him. Now while I respect and admire J.K. Rowling, I have to disagree with the way she describes and views the character of Draco, and here's why.
I have to confess before being introduced to the world of fanfiction, I never really thought much of Draco Malfoy. The character depicted as a bully, an antagonist. He was cruel and full of sinister in my eyes. I always thought he'd grow up to the ultimate villain. But then one day, a good friend of mine introduced me to Harry Potter fanfiction. These stories - alongside their authors - captured the untapped potential of Draco Malfoy's character. The limited spotlight on his character in the books - from a rather ambiguous third person narrative - gave room for exploration. Draco was such a complex character with so much depth and unresolved tension. That untapped potential did not go unnoticed by fans. Fanfiction did something that J.K. Rowling did not do. It gave Draco a true shot at redemption. In these stories, Draco kept his dark gritty persona and yet evolved. Rather than 'concealing his heart of gold', he began to grow as an individual forming his own moral consciousness - usually with a little help from Hermione Granger, but that's another story entirely. The journey to retribution itself was interesting watch because it did not come easy. In natural fashion, Draco stumbled along the way between the line of the light and dark, but eventually evolved into a character that sided with moral justice and the light.
In my personal opinion, I believe it was easier for Harry to be good because he was destined to be. Plus his family was killed by Voldemort, so of course he would want revenge - to rid the world of the evil that destroyed his family. As for Hermione Granger - the brains of the golden trio - she was fighting to prove herself amongst and against the pureblood community. She needed to stand up to herself, to fight for her survival and her heritage as a muggleborn. Ron on the other hand grew up in a family full of wizards who saw equality amongst all wizards - regardless of their blood. He grew up with that same mentality as well as it was part of his upbringing. But Draco Malfoy was entirely different from any of these character. His situation was so much more complex. Draco grew up in a family, surrounded by pureblood propaganda supremacy . He was taught that muggles and muggleborns were inferior to him. What made him special and important was his pureblood heritage. That meant everything. He grew up surrounded by all these thoughts - day in, day out. His struggle towards the light would be more dire, more troublesome. But that is what would make the journey so fruitful and intriguing!
Every single character has several dimensions to them. The ability to be good and the ability to be bad. Sure, Draco had a damaging childhood. His entire life had been influenced by principles his parents had taught him. But surely that didn't have to dictate the rest of his life. People can change. Grow. Become more than what they are. J.K. Rowling dismissed the idea that people are complex and not truly one dimensional. Draco was a complex character with so many layers to his soul. There was so much left to be explored. Again this untapped potential did not go unnoticed by fans. Maybe there are some who like the dark villianous character of Draco Malfoy, but I believe the redeemed Draco captured by fanfiction is what drew many fans to come to like the character. That's certainly what happened with me!
So what do you think of Draco Malfoy? I'd love to hear more about what you think on this topic!
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I was so excited to read The Scorch Trials after finishing The Maze Runner. I had such high hopes for this novel, but it sadly didn't live up to my expectations. Don't get me wrong, The Scorch Trials is entertaining, and continues to hold mind blogging mysteries that keep you on your the tips of your toes. The stakes are higher than ever, and the pieces of the puzzle are being to ever so slowly fit together. But The Scorch Trials fails to truly reach its true potential. This novel needed a clear sense of direction throughout, and to expand on certain events and storylines. But instead Dashner drags out the mystery further, and puts all faith into the final book of the series, The Death Cure - which I believe will be much more fruitful.
If you haven't read the book yet - skip this review and come back when you have. Trust me you don't want to know anything at all going into this book. The best part about this series is it's mystery - don't spoil it for yourself! So time to talk spoilers ...
The Oscars are known for their recognition on visual storytelling, and for the fashionable attire. It's what journalists and showbiz enthusiasts look forward to every single year. But how many people have been paying attention to what the speakers at the event were saying? Some of the speeches given this year by the winners were absolutely golden. And yet - I haven't heard or seen anything much about them since. So in honour of those incredible speeches from this year's Oscar winners, here's their moment of glory!
Adapted from the popular novel, The Maze Runner tells the story of Thomas - a boy with no memory of who he is. Thomas finds himself inside a maze with a community of teenage boys living harmoniously together. Everything begins to changes drastically however, when a girl enters the maze for the first time carrying a note that will change everything.
The Maze Runner was literally one of the most perfect novel to film adaptations I've seen in a long while. While being faithful to it's novel counterpart, this movie adds it's own flavour to the story that keeps you gripped to the screen throughout. It was entertaining and engaging from the very beginning. Told in a fast paced narrative that keeps you on your toes. Mirrors the suspense, mystery and confusion of the book. All and all, thrillingly entertaining. So excited to see what's in store in The Scorch Trials.
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HighlightsJust like the book, the mystery of the maze was utterly captivating on screen. This movie is exceptional loyal to it's novel counterpart. Just as in the book - this novel jumps straight into the universe, and is so captivating. The mystery behind Thomas and the Maze is almost too much. While it skips over several details, it stays faithful to its source material. It's jam packed, and entertaining. If you are looking for a mystery and thriller, this is your story. The cast carry this film exceptionally well. While Dylan O'Brien (Thomas) carries this story well as its protagonist, Thomas Brodie-Sangster who plays Newt really stood out the most. With his sense of wisdom and almost friendly charm, Thomas plays the character of Newt exceptionally well!
Something I loved about this movie was how they nailed the ending. It was on point and as jaw-dropping as the book! I don't know about you but I felt so exhilarated just watching it. Such a brilliant lead up to get you excited for The Scorch Trials!
Shortcomings
The Maze Runner relied a lot on it's action, which I found interfered with some of the plot lines and character development. In the film, we never really got to know the boys all that well. I wanted to get more of a sense of Alby and Gally's character. relationship development between characters. I wish we could have seen more of a bond form between Chuck and Thomas. I always imagined Thomas to be like an older brother to Chuck in the novel - and I really didn't get that sense. Their entirely brotherly bond was cut from the screen.
Something that I don't quiet understand is how they'll continue the rest of this series since they've removed a key point in Teresa and Thomas's relationship. How will they manage to continue this series without it? I guess we'll find out pretty soon though - since The Scorch Trials is released in September!
Conclusion
The Maze Runner was an enjoyable adventure, with promise of more action and suspense yet to come. Like it's novel counterpart, it is full of mystery and suspense to keep you on the edge of your toes. An enjoyable movie for all dystopian and young adult fiction lovers.
So what do you think of The Maze Runner? Let me know in the comments below!
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